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Through These Mountains

Peter Christensen
From:   Winter Range. Saskatoon, Saskatchewan: Thistledown Press, 2001.


through these mountains and valleys
is the way back to you
back to the struggle
to make what we have work
it is clear
that you are worried
frightened
that our love
is ending
as you leave
you say
I love you
but it is a question
as much as a statement
so sharp
and accurate
that a slice of doubt
is silently known
as soon as the words are

before you leave
you instruct Anna
to take a picture
of us
in front of the crumbling Mexican archway
leading to the rambling old house
amid the orchards
above the lake
where I am writing
where I face my demons and demagogues
desire reason and uncertainty
the picture is evidence
that we were here together
this too is our house

you must go now
to work
for the corporate giants
the ones who have taken
so much of our lives
given us money
as you leave I see fear in your eyes
uncertainty in your smile
I do not say
don't worry
for I am caught up
in these spring orchards
caught up
in all this pruning back of life

the way back to you
is through the high mountains
there are passes   rock falls
torrents and dark valleys
but I know the road eventually
becomes singular
reason virtue and passion
join together
lead to the doorway
into our small house
high in the mountains


Peter Christensen's works copyright © to the author.


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